Safety
Investigation Authority to launch investigation into aviation accident in Eura

Two helicopters on their way from Tallinn to Piikajärvi Airport in Kokemäki had a mid-air collision and crashed. All persons on the helicopters were killed, and the helicopters were damaged beyond repair.

“The helicopter wrecks have been transferred to Defence Forces’ facilities with assistance from the Defence Forces, where we will continue the technical investigation of the wrecks. The recorded data extracted from the better-preserved helicopter has been sent for further analysis. At this point, we do not know how long this process will take. We started interviewing the people involved in the accident during the weekend, and we will further continue the interviews. An official notification has been sent to Estonia, Austria and the United States, in accordance with international practice. We will continue close cooperation with our Estonian counterparts so as to streamline communications and especially next-of-kin communication, among others”, continues Janne Kotiranta to say.

“As for the causes of the accident, we will not speculate at this point. We will return to this, once we have verified factual information,” adds Kotiranta.

The investigation will focus particularly on flight methods, human factors, as well as the training and experience of the pilots.

The purpose of the safety investigation is to improve public safety and prevent new accidents and incidents. Matters of guilt and liability will not be addressed in the investigation.

Information will be provided on the progress of the investigation.

The duration of the safety investigation is approximately 9 to 12 months.

Inquiries:

Investigator in Charge Janne Kotiranta, tel. +358 (0)2951 50703

For those who feel that the accident has affected their wellbeing:

You can call the social and crisis emergency services, if you need help and security in a crisis situation. They provide help in urgent social welfare situations and in acute traumatic crisis situations.